Arrest warrant for former AFL umpire Troy Pannell issued by Victorian Supreme Court in $8.7 million fraud case
Troy Pannell is officially a wanted man.
An arrest warrant was issued today by the Victorian Supreme Court to bring the former AFL umpire before Justice Andrew Watson in a civil case. His former employer is pursuing him over $8.7 million they allege he defrauded from them.
Pannell, who officiated 291 AFL games from 2005 to 2018 — including a controversial 2016 match where he awarded 17 free kicks to the eventual flag-winning Bulldogs and only one to Adelaide during a regular season game — now faces serious legal trouble.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.When he wasn’t blowing the whistle at the MCG, Pannell worked for logistics company SeaRoad Shipping at the Port of Melbourne.
He is accused of producing invoices from a company, of which he was the sole director, for repairs to shipping containers - charging up to $900 per repair. SeaRoad alleges that no actual work was done to repair the containers.
In his role at the SeRoad, Pannell had the authority to authorise invoices up to the value of $5000.
The 48-year-old failed to appear in court earlier this week and is believed to be in South Australia.
“Troy Cameron Pannell has failed to attend before the Supreme Court of Victoria as required by the order of Honourable Justice Watson made on May 9, 2025, to answer charges of contempt of court,” the warrant reads, according to the Herald Sun.
“It appears to the Court that Troy Cameron Pannell has left Victoria.
“Arrest Troy Cameron Pannell and bring him before the Court at 9.30 a.m. on June 6 2025 to answer a charge of contempt, detaining him in the meantime.”
SeaRoad is asking the court to order Pannell — who was also involved in the racing industry and had a financial interest in several horses — to repay the $8.7 million.
The issuing of the warrant for the Victorian Sheriff and Victorian and federal police to detain Pannell comes as Crows great Mark Ricciuto said the AFL needed to investigate the infamous 2016 game in light of the court claims.
“The Bulldogs won the flag that year. If the Bulldogs had not won that game, they probably would have finished eighth, probably wouldn’t have even advanced,” he said on his Triple M radio show.
“Adelaide would have finished third on the ladder instead of fifth. We would have a double chance.”
“It might have cost us a flag.”
